Breaking Dawn - Stephenie Meyer [166]
* * *
26. SHINY
I dont know how much we should tell Renée about this, Charlie said, hesitating with one foot out the door. He stretched, and then his stomach growled.
I nodded. I know. I dont want to freak her out. Better to protect her. This stuff isnt for the fainthearted.
His lips twisted up to the side ruefully. I would have tried to protect you, too, if Id known how. But I guess youve never fit into the fainthearted category, have you?
I smiled back, pulling a blazing breath in through my teeth.
Charlie patted his stomach absently. Ill think of something. Weve got time to discuss this, right?
Right, I promised him.
It had been a long day in some ways, and so short in others. Charlie was late for dinner-Sue Clearwater was cooking for him and Billy. That was going to be an awkward evening, but at least hed be eating real food; I was glad someone was trying to keep him from starving due to his lack of cooking ability.
All day the tension had made the minutes pass slowly; Charlie had never relaxed the stiff set of his shoulders. But hed been in no hurry to leave, either. Hed watched two whole games- thankfully so absorbed in his thoughts that he was totally oblivious to Emmetts suggestive jokes that got more pointed and less football- related with each aside-and the after-game commentaries, and then the news, not moving until Seth had reminded him of the time.
You gonna stand Billy and my mom up, Charlie? Cmon. Bella and Nessiell be here tomorrow. Lets get some grub, eh?
It had been clear in Charlies eyes that he hadnt trusted Seths assessment, but hed let Seth lead the way out. The doubt was still there as he paused now. The clouds were thinning, the rain gone. The sun might even make an appearance just in time to set.
Jake says you guys were going to take off on me, he muttered to me now.
I didnt want to do that if there was any way at all around it. Thats why were still here.
He said you could stay for a while, but only if Im tough enough, and if I can keep my mouth shut.
Yes but I cant promise that well never leave, Dad. Its pretty complicated
Need to know, he reminded me.
Right.
Youll visit, though, if you have to go?
I promise, Dad. Now that you know just enough, I think this can work. Ill keep as close as you want.
He chewed on his lip for half a second, then leaned slowly toward me with his arms cautiously extended. I shifted Renesmee-napping now-to my left arm, locked my teeth, held my breath, and wrapped my right arm very lightly around his warm, soft waist.
Keep real close, Bells, he mumbled. Real close.
Love you, Dad, I whispered through my teeth.
He shivered and pulled away. I dropped my arm.
Love you, too, kid. Whatever else has changed, that hasnt. He touched one finger to Renesmees pink cheek. She sure looks a lot like you.
I kept my expression casual, though I felt anything but. More like Edward, I think. I hesitated, and then added, She has your curls.
Charlie started, then snorted. Huh. Guess she does. Huh. Grandpa. He shook his head doubtfully. Do I ever get to hold her?
I blinked in shock and then composed myself. After considering for a half second and judging Renesmees appearance- she looked completely out-I decided that I might as well push my luck to the limit, since things were going so well today
Here, I said, holding her out to him. He automatically made an awkward cradle with his arms, and I tucked Renesmee into it. His skin wasnt quite as hot as hers, but it made my throat tickle to feel the warmth flowing under the thin membrane. Where my white skin brushed him it left goose bumps. I wasnt sure if this was a reaction to my new temperature or totally psychological.
Charlie grunted quietly as he felt her weight. Shes sturdy.
I frowned. She felt feather-light to me. Maybe my measure was off.
Sturdy is good, Charlie said, seeing my expression. Then he muttered to himself, Shell need to be tough, surrounded by all this craziness. He bounced his arms gently,